Tag: out musicians

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Out Music: Kentö, Shea Diamond, Cade Bittner, Harrison Barnes, Sarah Barrios

Shea Diamond (promo photo)

Out singer/songwriter Kentö releases his new single 'Silhouette'
Out singer/songwriter/producer Kentö (promo photo)
Lots of new music to unpack for your Pride Month listening pleasure and there’s something for everyone here – synth-pop, dance music, rock and more. First up, singer, songwriter and producer, Kentö, is authentically himself with the release of “Silhouette” this week. Kentö’s warm, languid vocals are a perfect match for the shimmering synth-pop production as he sings, “Make it good, make it last so they never forget your silhouette.” The artist, a cancer survivor who identifies as being LGBTQI+ and on the autism spectrum, says those aspects help make up his “superpowers.” “I think pop music tends to have trends that all sound like one thing, and then someone comes along and shakes things up with a timeless sound,” says Kentö. “That’s the kind of music I want to make.”

You can follow the handsome artist on Instagram here.

https://youtu.be/fVUuXa2UHGw

Shea Diamond (promo photo)
Shea Diamond (promo photo)
Soul chanteuse Shea Diamond throws down serious dance beats with her new single, “Smile.” With a funky bass line, bright sassy horns and Diamond’s signature groovy vocal goodness, this track is a winner. Set in a roller rink littered with glitter and disco balls everywhere, the boys twirl for life on the floor (or find some private time in the men’s room). “This song reminds me that I’m not the victim society deemed me; I’m a survivor,” Shea said. “I wanted a song that captured the roller coaster of emotions and experiences we go through in life.” “With the pandemic mostly over I wanted a song of triumph and celebration, one that encourages you to get up, get out, and dance!” Follow the diva on Instagram here.

Cade Bittner's latest single 'Dancing In My Own Light' Since its debut earlier this month, the latest track from Cade Bittner has seen his new single, “Dancing In My Own Light,” run up the charts in the UK and hit #3 on the iTunes Dance Chart. The vibrant dance-pop track has a buoyant bounce that definitely brings a taste of the Pride rainbow. “I wanted to write a song that made people feel happy and dance,” says Bittner. “It has been a hard year for so many… and although the message is universal, I wrote this as an anthem for my LGBT+ community. It’s about loving who you were born to be.” Bounce down to that play button and enjoy. You can follow the Minneapolis-based artist on Instagram here.

Cover image for the new single from Harrison Barnes 'Call My Name' Las Vegas-based singer/songwriter Harrison Barnes serves up his latest sexy pop bop, “Call My Name,” about a ex coming back for another round. The moody, intoxicating electro-pop soundscape is matched with a shadowy, abs-out, wet and wild dance video that reminds us how fun music videos can be. “Call My Name” in an infectious track made for summer pool parties. Follow Barnes on Instagram here.

Sarah Barrios drops her latest single "IH8EVERY1" Singer/songwriter Sarah Barrios penned her latest track, “IH8EVERY1,” as part of her “You Ask, I Write” series on TikTok with a short snippet initially shared on May 3rd of this year. After its viral response on TikTok with over 3 million plays and over 650k likes, she knew she had to release the full version. The rock-tinged single is full of sass and cheeky unfiltered fun as Barrios delivers an authentic, audacious turn reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper. “Fairytales are hard to believe sometimes, especially if your prince or princess charming doesn’t turn out to be who you hoped them to be,” shares Barrios. “It’s easy to give up on love and hope altogether and can make you feel like it’s you against the world. But every once in a while, you meet someone you don’t mind being around, and you start to feel that small sliver of hope. That’s what this song is about.” “HAPPY PRIDE FROM UR FAVE MESSY BISEXUAL!” wrote Sarah Barrios on her Instagram at the beginning of the month. “Took a few years but I finally made it!!! This is my first pride out of the closet and my god does it feel good.”

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Out Music: Kat Cunning Celebrates Pride With ‘Boys’

Non-binary artist and actor Kat Cunning has released the official music video for their song “Boys” in celebration of Pride 2021. The entire cast and crew of the fun and joy-filled music video identifies as either transgender or non-binary.

Non-binary artist and actor Kat Cunning has released the official music video for their song “Boys” in celebration of Pride 2021. The entire cast and crew of the fun and joy-filled music video identifies as either transgender or non-binary. Continue reading “Out Music: Kat Cunning Celebrates Pride With ‘Boys’”

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Podcast: Pride Month 2021, Bakery Hit By Homophobia, The Latest From Eli Lieb

The Randy Report podcast

The Randy Report podcast delivers the week's top stories in a quick, convenient podcast - 'the 60 Minutes of gay news - only shorter' In this week’s headlines: • For the first time in five years, the LGBTQ community not only received full-throated support from the man in the Oval Office, but President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris all issued video greetings to LGBTQ Americans for Pride Month • Congress votes to make Pulse Nightclub a national memorial • Gay men in the UK will have an easier time donating blood • A bakery in Texas experienced hideous homophobia for saying ‘Happy Pride’ and then the internet stepped in • Eli Lieb drops the perfect anthem for Pride Month ‘Boys Who Like Boys’ All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

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Out Music: Grace Gaustad ‘Creature’

Grace Gaustad

Grace Gaustad
Grace Gaustad (photo: Shervin Lainez)
In her debut album, BLKBX: wht r u hding, out singer Grace Gaustad explores her experience with issues like gender, body, and being beauty-shamed as well as challenges regarding her learning disability. In her latest music video, ‘Creature,’ the out bi artist takes on her bullies in the hope that “one day people will just call us by our names.” “I believe there is a truth to the saying we’re only as sick as our secrets,”Gaustad recently told The Advocate about the message behind the new song. “I know it’s not easy for anyone to come out because everyone’s circumstances are different, but I know for me coming out put me on a path to healing.” The singer/songwriter began her meteoric rise when her 2018 cover of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” went viral on YouTube garnering more than 2.2 million views to date. Hit the play button and enjoy. You can follow Gaustad on Instagram here.

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Out Music: Robert Bannon ‘I Think He Knew’

Screen capture from 'I Think He Knew' by Robert Bannon New York City cabaret performer and SNL regular Robert Bannon recently released his new original video and single, “I Think He Knew Me,” for Pride Month. This tender video chronicles the relationship between a father and son where the son reveals to his father that..well, you know…

The single and music video are a prelude to the release of Bannon’s debut album, Unfinished Business, on July 2, 2021. The new collection of cover songs includes duets with Grammy Nominee Jane Monheit and Loren Smith (back-up singer for Michael Bublé). If you’re in the New York City area, you can catch Bannon live/in person at Feinsteins/54 Below on July 30 – Ticket info here. And you can follow him on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CP-yTR_hrXZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Pride Music: Lotus Sky ‘Show Your Colors’

Out artist Lotus Sky releases her new anthem, "Show Your Colors" for Pride Month
Out artist Lotus Sky releases her new anthem, “Show Your Colors” for Pride Month
Out recording artist Lotus Sky releases her latest single, “Show Your Colors,” a powerful Pride anthem that celebrates uniqueness in the rainbow of creation. Continue reading “Pride Music: Lotus Sky ‘Show Your Colors’”

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Out Music: Michaela Jaé “Something To Say”

Michaela Jaé (aka MJ Rodriguez of POSE fame)
Michaela Jaé (aka MJ Rodriguez of POSE fame)
Singer, actress and activist Michaela Jaé (aka MJ Rodriguez of POSE fame) released her anthemic debut single “Something to Say” last week to much acclaim. The track is an R&B pop bop that sees Michaela calling people to step into their truth and let their voices be heard. The Imagen Award winner wrote “Something to Say” with PWP (comprised of the legendary Verdine White of Earth, Wind, and Fire, multi-Grammy winning Neal Pogue and John Paris as well as Nick Ferraro and Duncan Hood) and the song is a poignant celebration of equality and love. Paper praised the track writing, “She’s at the height of her powers here, channelling the generosity and warmth of spirit of so many iconic disco divas. Conveying an easy confidence, it’s a welcome antidote to the many hackneyed Pride Month singles being released into the ether.” With a fun and funky vibe and disco-tinged touches throughout, “Something to Say” is absolutely perfect for your pride month playlist. Folks shouldn’t be surprised by Rodriguez’s potent vocal chops here. Regular viewers of POSE recall Rodriguez’s stirring performance of “Home” with cast member Billy Porter in Season One of the acclaimed series.

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Out Music: Todrick Hall “Rainin’ Fellas”

Screen capture from the latest music video from Todrick Hall "Rainin' Fellas"

Screen capture from the latest music video from Todrick Hall "Rainin' Fellas"
Screen capture from the latest music video from Todrick Hall “Rainin’ Fellas”
Todrick Hall drops the music video for “Rainin’ Fellas” from his new album, Femuline, and it’s about the gayest thing I’ve ever seen. Yay! In the music video, an homage to the 1982 uber-gay “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls, Hall turns the gay way up past 10 as he and his company of dancers turn it out. Richy Jackson’s choreography is tight and clever just like Hall’s rapid-fire lyrics. And yes, that is former N’SYNCer Lance Bass tripping into the taxi in heels at the top of the video.

The new album, Femuline, is bold and unapologetic, like it’s creator. Hall exudes confidence and charisma on every track, not to mention his clever wordplay. The album was entirely written by Hall, with production from Grammy-winning Wiidope (Nicole Scherzinger, Ciara), and Jeeve (Bruno Mars, Britney Spears). The dance floor-ready collection is a defiant statement of self-empowerment and self-described as an “open love letter to the LGBTQ community,” released in tandem and in honor of Pride. Additionally, today Hall announced a global tour in 2022, with dates spanning the U.S., Europe and Australia. The North American leg will kick on March 12, 2022 in Seattle and wind through the U.S. until May 3, 2022, ending in Toronto, ON. https://www.instagram.com/p/CP393x1FSAJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Pride Music: Country Artist Hayden Joseph ‘Out’

Out country artist Hayden Joseph

Out country music artist Hayden Joseph
Rising country music artist Hayden Joseph releases his uplifting anthem of self-acceptance, “Out,” just in time for Pride month. The new song showcases Hayden’s bright and effortless vocals amid modern country-pop production. The inspiring and forward-looking lyrics are a clarion call to be out and proud of who you are. “Every artist needs an ‘I am’ song, and this is mine,” says Joseph about the new track. “At its core, it’s a track about celebrating who you are. For me, it narrates coming out and fully accepting myself, but the meaning will change depending on the listener.” “I’ve sat on the song for 3 years because I didn’t want to ruffle country music feathers, but I have decided this Pride month is the time.” Hit the play button below and bounce along to “Out.” https://youtu.be/NLzzYaL8xkI Hayden has been making waves as one of the few out-and-proud singers in the country genre for the better part of the last year, following the successful release of his 2021 debut album, Different (which has garnered over 300,000 streams). He knows he faces an uphill battle as an openly gay male pursuing a country music career; it’s no secret that the genre hasn’t always been inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite that, he prides himself in the inclusive nature of his lyrics, and earnestly aspires to “write songs for everyone.” Hayden strives to continue breaking industry barriers, just as he says in his new single: “Times are changing, uncovering new ground. The world is ready for how I’m speaking out.” For more out country music artists, check out my previous posts with Cameron Hawthorn, Ty Herndon, and Patrick Masse & Drake Jensen. You can follow Hayden on Instagram here. “Out” is available now on all digital download/streaming platforms. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPi0alYD3fm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CPwneZrjmaZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Out Music: DCappella ‘This Is Me’

Disney Music Group’s premier a cappella singing sensation featuring 7 world-class vocalists, DCappella.

Disney Music Group’s premier a cappella singing sensation featuring 7 world-class vocalists, DCappella. DCappella celebrates Pride Month with the release of the “This Is Me,” from The Greatest Showman. The Oscar® nominated song, an unapologetic declaration of identity and empowerment, subsequently became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and Pride celebrations. In addition to showcasing the group’s soaring vocals, the music video follows several LGBTQ people as they celebrate themselves and their lives. “What’s really moving about this project for me personally is that we cast real queer people for every vignette,” says Nina Kramer, the out director of the music video. “There was no world where we were going to cast straight actors to play out faux scenes about queer people’s everyday lives.” DCappella is Disney Music Group’s premier a cappella singing sensation featuring 7 world-class vocalists: Antonio Fernandez/vocal percussion, Joe Santoni/bass, Kalen Kelly/mezzo, Kelly Denice Taylor/alto, Morgan Keene/soprano, Orlando Dixon/baritone and RJ Woessner/tenor. You can follow them on Instagram here.